REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Wayfinding & Install Way-finding Signs (Garcia)
Report
BACKGROUND
In August 2023, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member Kratz requested to have the BPAC discuss installation of way-finding signs (Attachment 1) and wayfinding throughout the city (Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
Wayfinding signage is an effective tool for guiding the public to key points of interest across a city or within specific districts. The City of Santa Clara Bicycle Plan recommends incorporating support facilities like wayfinding signage to complete the City’s bicycling network. Specifically, Objective 3.A aims to increase bicycle mode share to five percent by 2026, supported by Policy 3.A.2, which calls for the development of a citywide bicycle wayfinding system that provides access to destinations such as schools, commercial centers, libraries, government facilities, and parks (Attachment 3).
Following a discussion on wayfinding at the September 5, 2019 BPAC meeting, a BPAC wayfinding subcommittee was formed. The subcommittee then presented recommendations at the October 28, 2019 BPAC meeting (Attachment 4). The recommendations include routes with destination points and areas of interest along each route. In addition, the recommendations include sign details and locations for signs.
The City of Santa Clara Adopted Biennial Capital Improvement Program Budget for FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/2026 includes Project No. 1269 - Bicycle Route Wayfinding - Phase I as an unfunded transportation project (Attachment 5).
On November 5, 2024, Santa Clara voters approved ballot Measure I, the Public Facilities and Infrastructure Bond Measure. The General Obligation Bond Expenditure Plan includes $400 million for infrastructure needs, including $300,000 for Bicycle Wayfinding. Once bond funding becomes available, the City will retain a consultant to develop design recommendations for the wayfinding project. The consultant will review the current bicycle network, the Bicycle Plan, and the BPAC subcommittee’s recommendations to create a design that integrates with existing bicycle facilities. Any remaining funds after the design effort will be used for the installation of wayfinding signage along select priority routes in Santa Clara.
Staff
Written by: Ralph Garcia, Senior Civil Engineer, Public Works
Reviewed by: Carol Shariat, Principal Transportation Planner, Public Works
Reviewed by: Steve Chan, Transportation Manager, Public Works
Approved by: Michael Liw, Assistant Director/City Engineer, Public Works
ATTACHMENTS
1. Work Plan Topic Request Form - Install Way-finding Signs (Kratz)
2. Work Plan Topic Request Form - Wayfinding (Kratz)
3. Excerpt from Santa Clara Bicycle Plan Update related to Wayfinding
4. Recommendations from BPAC Subcommittee on Wayfinding
5. Excerpt from FY 2024/25 and FY 2025/26 Adopted Biennial Capital Improvement Program Budget related to Wayfinding